FAQs
What age can my baby start swimming?
Your baby can start swimming with us from 2 months old in our Hydrotherapy pool , Bettridge School in Cheltenham and The Moretons in Bredon. At Moreton Fire service College in Moreton-in-Marsh we ask your child is 3 months old (or a good 5.5kg or 12lbs in body weight). If your little one is premature, always check with your doctor that they are medically fit to join us considering the ages mentioned above. E.g if baby was 3 months prem, they would be able to join from 6 months (at MFC) , 4 months at Bettridge or the Moretons.
What can I do to help prepare my baby for the lesson?
Babies love familiarity, so getting them used to the water beforehand will help them prepare for the lesson.
Having a bath or shower together is the perfect place to start. Laugh, play, splash , blow bubbles and sing and chat with your baby to reassure them that being in the water is a fun, safe place to be. You can also practise with a beaker in the bath, pouring water over their back, shoulders and over their head. We use the ‘key words’ Ready Breathe, each time we pour the water. 😊
If you can, pop down to your local pool. You don’t have to be there long but getting them used to the atmosphere of the pool will mean they’re more relaxed for their first lesson.
Its always a good idea to allow plenty of time so you can arrive on side unflustered. Bring snacks for after, baby will be hungry (but please don’t feed in the changing rooms) except breast feeding.
If I book a full course and my baby doesn’t like their first lesson, can I get a refund?
Please read our booking conditions before booking. All children/babies are different, some settle into their lessons quickly others may take a few lessons or a term. We are with you every step of the way to encourage you. Swimming isn’t just about the water but the group environment, the smell, the noise. Most of our venues will offer the opportunity to have a ‘trial’ session, but as our classes are so popular, unless we can fill your space, you need to commit to the full 10 weeks.
What do I need to wear?
All you need is comfortable swimwear and a towel. Bring goggles from week 4 of your Duckling course. But don’t worry if you’re not a confident swimmer you won’t be forced to go underwater.
A lot of our parents like to wear a rash vest or long sleeve swimsuit to cover their shoulders when they are out of the water. We do recommend coming ‘Swim ready’ with your costume on under your clothes to enable a smooth transition into the water once baby is ready.
Does my baby need vaccinations first?
No, you don’t need to have baby vaccinated. Its personal preference but from a health and safety perspective, there is no reason for you to wait and the course fits in for you. A lot of our parents book on before baby is born.
What do I need to bring to my lesson and what should my baby wear?
Happy Nappy – Every baby must wear our ‘double bagging’ nappy system at their lessons, which means a disposable under layer such as a ‘huggies little swimmer’ or equivalent (these are disposable swim nappies) or a reusable swim nappy such as Tots Bots with an approved neoprene Happy Nappy over the top. Our blog section has pictures for your perusal
Changing mat – A small roll-up one so you can safely change your little one on the floor.
Towels or hooded towel – for you and baby.
– Flannel – in the event of snotty noses.
– Wetsuit – At Moreton fire college wet suits are available for you to borrow if you wish. These are not needed at Bettridge school and The Moretons.
Onesies – a great idea for changing your little one in after swimming.
– Drink/ Snack for after swimming – Not in the changing room please. Our venues all have an area where you can safely feed your little ones.
– Hairband – to tie back long hair (yours or baby’s) Once hair reaches the back of the neck (when wet) or over the face, it needs to be tied back.
– Goggles (from week 4) for Parents
Will the water affect my baby’s eczema?
We’ve had many babies swim with us with eczema, so recommend smoothing prescribed barrier cream over the affected parts before popping them into a sun suit. If you’re ever unsure, do speak to a health professional for advice on your baby’s skin. SEE OUR BLOG
What should I do if either of us is poorly?
If it’s just the sniffles, and the child is well in themselves then it’s fine to attend your lesson. But if either of you have a temperature, then best to give it a miss. If you or your baby have any significant illnesses , ear infections, chicken pox, vomiting or diarrhoea, then please stay at home.
We also ask that any sickness or diarrhoea symptoms have completely cleared for at least 48 hours before your lesson. When it comes to any medical condition, we always ask that you check with your doctor or health practitioner before coming along to your lessons.
If you or your child has a strep A infection, you should stay away from swimming lessons for 24 hours after you start taking antibiotics. This will help stop the infection spreading to other people.
The other main health worries are Hand, foot and mouth and conjunctivitis which are very contagious.
Will I able to catch up a class if I miss a lesson due to illness or on holiday?
As a goodwill gesture we offer a catch-up system. This system works both ways. You tell us BEFORE your class of your absence then we know a space is available to offer your space to someone that needs a catch-up a class missed due to illness or holiday. These are offered within the term of swimming where there is space. We aim to accommodate a maximum of 2 per child.. this isn’t always possible but we do our best.
What are the changing facilities like?
Bringing a changing mat is a really good idea so that whichever venue you use, you can easily change your baby comfortably and safely.
At Bettridge there is a changing bed (in each changing room Male and Female) which is useful for 3-4 babies to get changed on. A playpen is provided.
At the Moretons, changing mats are provided and a playpen. No lockers are available at either of these venues so clothes must be neatly and tidily placed in a changing bag off the benches for the next class.
At Moreton Fire College there are lockers and a playpen and 1 /2 changing tables in each of the changing rooms (Male and Female).
Please remove shoes at all venues before entering the changing rooms.
At the Moretons, changing mats are provided …by the venue.
When should I arrive for my lesson?
We encourage everyone to arrive and to be on poolside (showered) 5 mins before your lesson starts. This will vary between venues, due to parking restrictions and entry restriction times on site, please refer to your individual booking confirmation notes.
Can I feed my child before swimming?
30 mins for a breastfed baby and 1 hour minimum for a child on a bottle or solids.
Is it safe for my baby to go underwater?
It is safe for your baby to go underwater. That’s because they are born with a reflex called the ‘laryngeal reflex’, or ‘gag reflex’. This kicks into action when your baby feels water on their face, nose, or throat. When your baby goes underwater, the soft tissue at the back of their throat (called the larynx) closes to block the entrance to the airway.
We would not recommend submerging baby if they have hiccups or a blocked nose (green and snotty). Sometimes baby has a cold but is well in themselves to come along and attend but not be submerged on that lesson.
Using your little one’s natural reflexes from an early age, we prepare them to go under the water through word association. This means that as the reflex fades, controlling their breathing becomes a learned response.
Can I take a photograph of my baby during the lesson?
No, unless you have full consent of the class.
There will be occasions we will ask individuals for photographs within lessons to be shared on our social media.
How big are our classes?
Maximum of 8 children accompanied by a parent to one Teacher
Can my partner come into the pool with me for our lesson?
Due to health and safety restrictions only one parent with one child is allowed in the pool.
Are armbands used in our lessons?
Armbands are not used in our lessons. Armbands can give a false sense of security and prevent them from developing the skills they need to swim properly.
Armbands restrict arm movement, creates imbalance and are less secure.
‘We are going on holiday would it be ok for us to put them in armbands?’
Our answer is always ‘No, it would be detrimental to our methods of teaching’
If safety is the concern, e.g. you have a pool and are concerned they may be a bit overconfident and want to jump in – a swim vest if anything would be more ideal as they allow a proper swim position, allows full arm movement and have a more stable support. Splash about/Konfidence provide flotation vests.
Can my child wear goggles?
We do not encourage the wearing of goggles in our early stages for safety reasons. This is so the children can practice their survival skills if they fell into water unexpectedly. We appreciate as they move through our stages and are swimming face down goggles can help for comfort, even so we still encourage goggles off during parts of the lessons. Children very quickly come to rely on them.
When your child is ready, we recommend looking for a pair with a ‘fixed bridge’, they tend to be sturdier and last longer and not allow the goggles to fill up with water. If you can we would also recommend trying before you buy as children’s faces vary in size and shape and so do Goggles.
Below is a link to Zoggs who offer a choice of goggles suitable for little ones.
https://www.zoggs.com/en_GB/shop-goggles/kids-up-to-6-yrs
Please don’t choose ‘Little Ripper’ it has an adjustable bridge.
Little Comet,Bondi, superseal or sonic air are all good choices.
Can spectators come along?
Moreton fire college – Yes, any spectators must tell security at the gate and watch from the viewing gallery above the pool.
Bettridge school, Cheltenham – Please email fiona@eaubaby.co.uk and ask, spaces are limited poolside.
The Moretons, Bredon – Yes, any spectators to watch from the garden room.
Should I stop coming if my baby is unhappy and just cries?
Understandably, you are worried that if your child cries, even in the changing room before entering the pool, that it is doing more harm than good.
We have swum not only our own children who had times of crying, but over our 50 years of teaching, we have seen a few!
Do you give up? ABSOLUTELY NOT! We would encourage you to continue even if its with ‘little baby steps’, remember all of us are different and all will progress at different times.
Removing your children from swim lessons is more likely to instil a fear or dislike rather than working it through together.
We have many ways to encourage and help you through this phase and have a help blog, ‘going through a wobble’
Do I need to shower before swimming?
Yes, all our venues require parents and babies to shower before entering the water.
Where will I find directions to the pool I am swimming at?
Directions to all our venues can be found on our website at this link. https://www.eaubaby.co.uk/venues/
Where will I find the Term Dates?
On our website, if you follow this link. Also on your booking confirmation (although this can be subject to change) https://www.eaubaby.co.uk/term-dates/
How long is a term?
Our terms are all 10 weeks in length. Half term falls around week 5, but it can be as late as week 7 so please check the website for uptodate details.
If I can’t swim, can I still take my baby swimming with Eaubaby?
Yes, you can. If you are unsure of any exercise you are being asked to do, please check with your Teacher and they will be happy to either demonstrate or do the exercise for you. 😊
Is there a special bin to dispose of nappies at the Pools?
Each venue has special designated nappy bins for this purpose. They might not always be in the changing rooms so please check at your venue and with the Teacher. Nappies placed in the wrong bins cause lots of problems.
Is there an opportunity to have a professional underwater photo taken?
Yes, we offer Photo shoots throughout the year, generally twice. Please check the website for details of our latest shoot. https://www.eaubaby.co.uk/photo-shoot/
Is there free parking at our pools?
Yes, all our pools have free parking.
Do we get certificates at the end of our levels?
Yes, we provide the children with our unique certificates at the end of each level. Once the children are in our Swim School Elite classes, we provide them with recognised Swim England Stage certificates and badges.
We also do the Water Safety Awards once children reach Swim School Elite.
Book your baby's swimming lesson
Ready for your baby to take the plunge and begin their journey from Duckling to Swim School? Book their swimming lesson by visiting our bookings page.
